GODOY REPLACES SHERRINGTON FOR RYDER

Billi Godoy has replaced Les Sherrington as John Ryder’s opponent in his first defence of his WBO Inter-Continental Middleweight title at The O2 on January 31, live on Sky Sports.

Godoy will proved a stern test of Ryder’s ambitious plans for 2015 with the Argentine holding a victory over fellow countryman Jorge Sebastien Heiland who stopped Matthew Macklin in November. Godoy claimed the vacant WBC International belt with that win, a title he successfully defended against Mateo Veron, and he has the chance to take Ryder’s belt after Sherrington was forced out of the contest with a foot injury.

“Godoy is a great opponent for John,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Billi has operated at a good level, he’s a tough Argentine that will ask John plenty of questions. We are looking to let John off the leash this year, Tony Sims has told me he is in great nick in the gym and I am expecting him to excite the fans on a big night in London.”

Ryder’s clash with Godoy is part of a great line-up of action at The O2 as Kevin Mitchell faces Daniel Estrada for the vacant WBC Silver Lightweight title and an eliminator for the World title.

There’s a tasty pair of Light Welterweight bouts as John Wayne Hibbert and Tyler Goodjohn meet for Hibbert’s WBC International strap and Tommy Martin and Ricky Boylan square up for the vacant English title.

Team GB star Charlie Edwards makes his hotly anticipated pro debut on the bill, as does Cruiserweight Isaac Chamberlain, as Ohara Davies, Ben Hall and Lee Markham make their first appearances in 2015.

Only £40, £60 and £100 tickets are available for the show at www.theO2.co.uk and on 0844 856 0202.

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